Huntington health facilities going smoke-free

Cabell Huntington Hospital, Marshall Health and the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center have agreed to prohibit tobacco use on their property beginning Nov. 15, the day of the Great American Smokeout.

Smoking has been banned inside the hospital and medical center for years, but designated smoking areas were created last year as the first step of a two-step process to eliminate tobacco use on the medical center campus. Those designated areas will be removed, and tobacco use will be prohibited anywhere on the hospital and medical center properties.

Dr. Joseph Shapiro, dean of Marshall's medical school, says the policy will provide a safer environment for visitors and employees, and demonstrate a commitment to promoting the health of the community.